Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Promising interim data testing the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody cocktail developed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection has been announced, but there are concerns the prohibitive cost of producing the therapy will limit widespread use.

Eli Lilly has announced its antibody treatment can reduce a person’s risk of contracting COVID-19 by up to 80 percent. These preliminary results suggest the treatment may be an effective way to rapidly suppress outbreaks in unvaccinated communities.

A new study projects the COVID-19 pandemic to generate the largest single-year decline in US life expectancy in at least 40 years. The declines are especially prominent in minority communities, and are expected to continue over the coming years.

A new study has affirmed men seem much more vulnerable to COVID-19 than women. The study found men, independent of age, are more likely to contract the virus, suffer from severe complications, and die from the disease compared to women.

Gaming brand Razer looks to the future of face masks with its Project Hazel, a reusable transparent mask concept with detachable filters, a built-in mic and amplifier, and Chroma RGB LED lights for those keen on embracing some cyberpunk techno flair.

A robust new study has comprehensively demonstrated how SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can infect the brain and central nervous system. The study validates a growing body of research attributing neurological issues to COVID-19.

Early findings from a clinical trial suggest severely ill COVID-19 patients do not benefit from a therapy involving infusions of plasma from those recovered from the disease. The trial continues to investigate the therapy in moderately ill patients.

A first-of-its-kind study has found a link between COVID-19 severity and the gut microbiome. The research suggests specific microbial patterns correlate with disease severity and those bacterial imbalances may account for some cases of “long COVID”.

In the largest and longest follow-up study to date investigating the lingering effects of COVID-19, researchers have found more than two-thirds of hospitalized patients report at least one ongoing symptom six months after contracting the disease.

Health authorities in the UK have recommended extending dosing schedules for COVID-19 vaccines, claiming one dose offers short-term protection despite trials only testing two-dose regimes. US authorities call the change risky and unproven.

Stefano Boeri Architetti is perhaps best known for its greenery covered buildings. However, the Italian firm is now turning its hand to the COVID-19 virus fight with a solar-powered building that will be used to administer vaccinations.

A rapid COVID-19 test promises accurate results in under 30 minutes using a simple hand-held device, a nasal swab and a smartphone camera. The technology can also be modified to detect other viral diseases.